It was another excellent year for Stowe in The Legal 500 UK 2020 rankings.
The Legal 500 rankings are a top independent leading guide to the best lawyers and law firms across the UK.
The rankings reflect a detailed analysis of law firm submissions and thousands of interviews with GCs and private practice lawyers, conducted by a team of experienced researchers.
This year,
Yorkshire
maintained its tier 2 listing and was noted for being:
‘Extremely professional and knowledgeable.‘
‘A dynamic firm of solicitors with a great team of hard-hitting partners. A marvellous overall team.‘
‘With a dedication to clients that is ‘second to none. Responsive and pragmatic advice at all times and available at any time.‘
And a well-deserved reputation…
‘Stowe Family Law has excellent teams in Harrogate, Leeds and Wetherby (and indeed in many other towns/cities), in all of which they have a well-deserved reputation for the quality of advice and service provided to clients. On any view, Stowe Family Law is widely regarded as being one of the leading matrimonial finance firms in the North. Accordingly, the firm has enormous strength in depth and benefits from the pooled experience at its disposal.‘
There was a personal mention for Julian ‘a brilliant brain with street wisdom and client care skills in abundance‘ and Rachel, ‘ a hands-on leader but manages her clients in a professional way. leads from the front.‘
There was also a special mention for Beverley.
‘Stowe Family Law is client-focused, highly professional and competent in their area of law. They deal with each case thoroughly and attentively, giving realistic advice and managing the client’s expectations. They have a manageable client base that enables them to focus on each client and give them the attention they need. They are quick in responding and always polite.‘
North West
The North West team maintained its tier 3 listing and was recognised for its specialist knowledge.
‘The team has specialist legal knowledge in family law. They understand and find solutions to any difficult challenges by employing their individual skills and abilities. They listen and answer any queries with clarity and empathy, thereby reducing the stress and uncertainty during the divorce procedure.’
There were two personal mentions for Helen:
‘I have found Helen Miller to be very professional in all aspects of her work. She is diligent and thorough with a strength of will and determination. I felt total confidence in her ability to obtain a very satisfactory conclusion throughout the process of my divorce, including the court hearings. Helen expresses great client care, empathy and understanding with compassion during this difficult period of my life.’
‘Helen Miller is a very capable lawyer, and she offers a first-class service to clients.’
And a special note for Lesley,
‘Lesley Smythe has embodied the values of the practice and is a credit to Stowe Family Law, supporting me and yet carefully challenging me when it’s been needed, always trying to maintain my focus on achieving a resolution to the divorce. Lesley’s strengths encompass the extensive experience of matrimonial and family law and a wealth of qualities to compliment this.’
Gareth was noted as a ‘Next Generation Partner’.
London
This year, there were several special notes for Phoebe, Gavin, Alice and Sarah Jane from the London team.
‘Phoebe Turner is the star of the London practice. She gives clients honest, straightforward and simple advice’ and is ‘a slick operator.’
Gavin was noted as
‘hardworking and always available night and day. He provides sensible and realistic advice to clients’ as well as dealing with issues ‘promptly and efficiently, coping well under pressure and gives great confidence to his lay clients.’
And a special mention for his
‘good analytical approach to the facts and the figures, and consequently saves his clients much time and costs‘
Alice was praised as being
‘amazing’ and ‘really helpful, tells me exactly what is going on, and helps me in the best way she can. She is truthful, which is important as sometimes the truth isn’t what I want to hear but what I need to know. ‘
Sarah Jane was credited as being
‘Particularly impressive – she does high-quality work and is very efficient and accessible‘ and ‘a robust representative. She always fights her client’s corner.‘
Her dedication to clients was also noted as Sarah Jane was described as
‘Someone you would definitely want on your side. Experience, diligence, warmth and personality all in one package.’
Essex
It was a new arrival for Stowe in Essex and what a start with a Tier 2 ranking and an acknowledgement of the teams:
‘Exceptionally knowledgeable, empathetic and approachable. When their client is having a really hard time and is finding the process emotionally and physically difficult, they take off so much stress and pressure. You can trust them to be honest with you, but to also be exceptionally caring‘.
And as ‘a great example of a family law practice exemplifying and delivering just and ethical family law‘.
Seb was described as
‘professional, sensitive, knowledgeable, transparent, delivering an efficient service on-budget and ‘advising when necessary at a moment’s notice without hesitation or delay.”
‘Faultless in every aspect of dealing with my case,’ Seb was credited for advising ‘in a professional, knowledgeable, supportive way: always with consideration of the emotive and sensitive situation that I am dealing with.’
He was also noted for being a ‘very able and an excellent lawyer and strategist.’ with ‘an excellent reassuring bedside manner, and is not afraid to litigate where correspondence has reached an impasse.’
Seb is ‘definitely one to watch‘.
Kent, Surrey, Sussex
Esher and Tunbridge Wells retained their Tier 3 ranking.
With the Esher team being regarded as
‘approachable and knowledgeable’
and a
‘very professional outfit under the stewardship of Emma Newman, which seems to have made great strides in the short time it has been operating. The practice radiates efficiency and endeavour.’
There were a number of personal shout-outs for Emma describing her as
‘Dedicated, highly experienced and committed to her clients, yet is perfectly prepared to deliver unwelcome news where this is warranted. She is a pleasure to be instructed by because you know everything will be in such good order.’
Emma is also noted for her
‘excellent manner with her clients.’ and her approach being ‘empathetic and caring, and they feel genuinely comfortable with her.’
Emma is also credited as being
‘a very skilled lawyer’ providing ‘clear, systematic and structured advice.’ for her passion about ‘family law’ and ‘priding herself on ensuring her clients are supported through whatever legal process she is guiding them through.’
Niamh was praised for being ‘very diligent’.
Her clients ‘love her and with good reason. She is pragmatic and rational in dealing with the most difficult of situations.’
‘Niamh was also recognised as ’excellent and efficient’ and ‘highly recommended.’
Bristol & Cheltenham
This ‘excellent, hardworking team’ received a Tier 3 ranking and were praised for being ‘approachable, empathetic, supportive, innovative and not afraid to be strong when needed.’
The team
‘work with each client individually to achieve the best outcome for the client. They work in a holistic way with other professionals and provide support opportunities beyond the purely legal through referrals and workshops and seminars with coaches and other partners.‘
The Bristol Break-up Club received a mention as
‘a unique working method of partnering with a divorce coach/therapist to provide holistic support to clients as they go through the litigation process.‘
Jemma was credited as being
‘smart and bold in her decision making’ as well as ‘a passionate advocate of her clients’ causes’ who ‘knows each case extremely well and ‘is alive to what the client needs from the legal proceedings and does all she can to help them achieve it.’
There was a special mention for Joanna, who was noted as
‘a brilliant addition to the firm and a truly high-class act.’ She was also described as ‘very experienced with wisdom beyond her years’ and ‘extremely well prepared and aware of the issues which are likely to impact on her client’s goals.’
Rachel, ‘a friendly but formidable lawyer who is extremely good for her years of PQE’ was noted as
‘efficient, sensible and well connected‘ as well as being ‘ extremely well prepared’ and offering her ‘clients sensible and considered advice’ whilst being ‘‘focused on getting the client the best possible outcome.’
Nottingham
Having arrived in the Legal500 last year, Nottingham increases its position from Tier 4 to Tier 3.
The team were praised as
‘friendly, listen and hear what I have to say as a client. As a team, they ensure I have all information for my case as well as some of the administration clarities. They are all extremely professional.’
As per last year, there were personal mentions for Sushma and Rising Star Maria.
‘Maria Coster is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer. She works hard for her clients. Most importantly, she is a pleasure to deal with. I would recommend a client to her without hesitation, and I don’t say that about many competitors.’
‘I work with Sushma Kotecha – professional, considerate and demonstrable compassion. She is different as she is genuinely interested in my case and is proactive to support me. I value the professionalism, listening and interest demonstrated during my appointments. She goes above and beyond to ensure I am fully briefed and updated.’
Reading maintained its Tier 3 running with a personal note for Natasha who has an “exceptional manner with clients” and,” is clear in her advice and understanding of client concerns.”